Being a high school quarterback himself, Nickoe Whitley understands what it means for Mississippi State to bring in a coach with the credentials of Dan Mullen.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder from Jackson, Miss., was excited when he first heard the news that Mullen was named the new head coach of the Bulldogs.

"That made me think that the offense was going to be better," Whitley said. "I think he is going to improve the offense. With a coach like him coming in, it kind of raises my expectation level. I think they can do more on offense with him there."

The three-star commitment had a chance to sit down and talk to Mullen face-to-face when he visited Provine High School before Christmas break began.

"He just said that he was looking forward to me coming up there," Whitley said.

Mullen plans on using the multi-talented athlete at safety. MSU lost three safeties due to graduation this past season and Whitley is excited about the opportunity to come in and compete right away.